#aechmophorus

Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis), mother with chicks, family Podicipedidae, Podicipediformes, Malheur County, OR, USA

📍 Location: San Francisco, California 🗓 Date: June 7, 2026 🐾 Media: Image 🌿 Species: Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis) 📝 Notes: Large waterbird found on lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, and coastal waters across western North America. Recognized by its long neck, slender bill, black-and-white plumage, and elegant appearance.

An excellent diver, it feeds primarily on fish captured underwater. Western Grebes are famous for their elaborate courtship displays, including a dramatic synchronized “rushing” behavior in which pairs run across the water's surface side by side. They spend much of their time swimming and diving in open water.

A pair of Clark's grebes (Aechmophorus clarkii) feed fish to their chick in Santa Margarita Lake Regional Park, California, USA

Western Grebe (Aechmophorus occidentalis), parent with chick, family Podicipedidae, Podicipediformes, Huron Wetland Management District, SD, USA